Toronto’s first Aboriginal food truck debuted in Toronto yesterday just in time for the Pan Am Games. The You Are Welcome truck will likely be a regular presence on the streets this week as it needs to make the most out of its short lifespan. The truck will be touring around Toronto until July 16 after which it will cease operations.

So what exactly can you expect to eat at an Aborginal food truck? We stopped by its inaugural service in Liberty Village on Friday to check out the food. Expect to find menu items unlike any other Toronto food truck – there’s curied elk and sweet potato in puff pastry, smoked turkey chili, nish kabobs and blueberry bannock.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/07/toronto-can-aboriginal-food-truck-hits-the-streets-for-pan-am-games/feed/0Toronto, CAN: Celebrate Canada Day with Toronto food truckshttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/07/toronto-can-celebrate-canada-day-with-toronto-food-trucks/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/07/toronto-can-celebrate-canada-day-with-toronto-food-trucks/#commentsWed, 01 Jul 2015 18:40:36 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=72152Party your day away and grab a bite from one of Toronto’s gourmet food trucks. There will be sweets, sandwiches, roti, BBQ and much more to be had. Come hungry and get ready to celebrate Canada Day.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/07/toronto-can-celebrate-canada-day-with-toronto-food-trucks/feed/0Toronto, CAN: 5 must-try eats from Toronto’s new food truckshttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/06/toronto-can-5-must-try-eats-from-torontos-new-food-trucks-2/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/06/toronto-can-5-must-try-eats-from-torontos-new-food-trucks-2/#commentsSun, 28 Jun 2015 12:10:52 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=71921The Toronto food truck season is in full swing and the new trucks on the block are bringing out menu items we have yet to see before. From Indian fusion to breakfast offerings, get a taste of something new with a visit to one of these trucks.

The Toronto food truck season is in full swing and the new trucks on the block are bringing out menu items we have yet to see before. From Indian fusion to breakfast offerings, get a taste of something new with a visit to one of these trucks.

Here’s a round-up of 5 must try eats from Toronto’s newest food trucks.

Fit to Grill
The Fit to Grill food truck has been taking the music festival scene by storm and even took home the award for the best sandwich at Field Trip. All the other sandwiches fell short to their catfish po’boy. It must have been their winning combination of deep fried catfish and creamy Southern slaw.

feasTO
The feasTO food truck knows a thing or two about dumplings. Their pho beef dumplings explode with flavours you commonly associate with, you guessed it, pho soup. Broth, noodles and beef are carefully packaged into a dumpling wrapper.

The Egg Man
The Egg Man wants to start your morning off with their breakfast inspired poutine. Their breakfast poutine comes with hot out of the fryer tater tops topped with cheese, bacon, sausage and hollandaise sauce. All the important food groups are covered, right?

Tdots Naansense
Tdots Naansense is taking a Canadian staple and mixing it with their Indian roots. Get your hands on their deep fried butter chicken mac and cheese and learn how fusion is done right. The side mango salad will lighten things up.

Born2Eat
You may have caught the big green Born2Eat truck popping up at King & John. The one menu item you can’t go wrong with ordering up is their beet + beef burger. Ground beef and beets are crafted into a patty and topped with avocado, goat cheese, red onion, tomato and Russian dressing.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/06/toronto-can-5-must-try-eats-from-torontos-new-food-trucks-2/feed/0Toronto, CAN: 5 must-try eats from Toronto’s new food truckshttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/06/toronto-can-5-must-try-eats-from-torontos-new-food-trucks/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/06/toronto-can-5-must-try-eats-from-torontos-new-food-trucks/#commentsFri, 26 Jun 2015 15:00:58 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=71871The Toronto food truck season is in full swing and the new trucks on the block are bringing out menu items we have yet to see before.

The Toronto food truck season is in full swing and the new trucks on the block are bringing out menu items we have yet to see before. From Indian fusion to breakfast offerings, get a taste of something new with a visit to one of these trucks.

Here’s a round-up of 5 must try eats from Toronto’s newest food trucks.

Fit to Grill
The Fit to Grill food truck has been taking the music festival scene by storm and even took home the award for the best sandwich at Field Trip. All the other sandwiches fell short to their catfish po’boy. It must have been their winning combination of deep fried catfish and creamy Southern slaw.

feasTO
The feasTO food truck knows a thing or two about dumplings. Their pho beef dumplings explode with flavours you commonly associate with, you guessed it, pho soup. Broth, noodles and beef are carefully packaged into a dumpling wrapper.

The Egg Man
The Egg Man wants to start your morning off with their breakfast inspired poutine. Their breakfast poutine comes with hot out of the fryer tater tops topped with cheese, bacon, sausage and hollandaise sauce. All the important food groups are covered, right?

Tdots Naansense
Tdots Naansense is taking a Canadian staple and mixing it with their Indian roots. Get your hands on their deep fried butter chicken mac and cheese and learn how fusion is done right. The side mango salad will lighten things up.

Born2Eat
You may have caught the big green Born2Eat truck popping up at King & John. The one menu item you can’t go wrong with ordering up is their beet + beef burger. Ground beef and beets are crafted into a patty and topped with avocado, goat cheese, red onion, tomato and Russian dressing.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/06/toronto-can-5-must-try-eats-from-torontos-new-food-trucks/feed/0Toronto, CAN: On Day 1 of Toronto’s new, relaxed food truck rules, 20-metre gap presents an opportunity and a threathttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/05/toronto-can-on-day-1-of-torontos-new-relaxed-food-truck-rules-20-metre-gap-presents-an-opportunity-and-a-threat/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/05/toronto-can-on-day-1-of-torontos-new-relaxed-food-truck-rules-20-metre-gap-presents-an-opportunity-and-a-threat/#commentsSat, 23 May 2015 12:00:59 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=71360Variety in lunch options was on the mind of bystanders outside Me.n.u. After ordering rice balls and a taco, Colette Snyder said cutting the mandated distance from 50 metres to 30 will bolster competition.

]]>By Nick Faris | National PostA line-up forms at Me.n.u Food Truck on Bloor St. Thursday — Toronto’s first day under looser food truckregulations approved by City Council last week. [Tyler Anderson / National Post]

There is a church near Bloor and Church Streets. Across the road sits an insurance building. And outside of that, you can often find a food truck.

Allen Tan’s Me.n.u. truck was there Thursday — Toronto’s first day under looser street food regulations. They now allow licensed mobile eateries to park up to 30 metres away from brick-and-mortar restaurants, down from 50.

That 20-metre gap means different things to different people. It could harm established restaurants, according to one restaurant owner. One customer, munching on pulled pork from Me.n.u and considering the distance purely in steps walked, said it wouldn’t mean anything at all.

To Tan, who founded Me.n.u last year, it could bring more sales and recognition — and more intersections like Bloor and Church, where one night in late April, he took a tape measurer, walked down the block and counted every metre to the nearest restaurant.

“If you loosen the restrictions, it’ll give you more opportunities,” Tan said. “It means I have more work to do. Every night now, I should be going out to find new spots that are plausible or profitable.”

A view of the license plate at Me.n.u Food Truck. [Tyler Anderson / National Post]

Several Me.n.u customers, lingering on the sidewalk after placing their order Thursday, said they support food trucks staking their claim in Toronto’s food scene. Most were unaware of the new rules, passed 43-1 by City Council last week. (Ward 7 councillor Giorgio Mammoliti cast the only vote against.)

The real impact will be felt in the coming weeks — as trucks identify prime spots within 30 metres of restaurants — and into next year, according to Blazin Cajun founder Sevil Rahnama.

She launched her business last summer, and said others could be more willing to do so under relaxed regulations.

“They have the chance, this way, to have their own business and their own kitchen to make their passion and the food that they’re passionate about and serve it to people — with a way lower investment than a restaurant and, I would say, a higher chance of succeeding,” Rahnama said.

That’s precisely the fear of some restaurant owners, who say they’ve invested considerable funds into their permanent locations.

I think I appreciate what Toronto’s trying to do with all these different things. I just wish it didn’t have to affect other businesses.

Edward Kakish, the owner of Sunset Grill on Bloor St. — roughly 200 metres away from food truck parking — said he isn’t keen on trucks intervening in brick and mortar-heavy neighbourhoods.

“I don’t mind it if they’re not near the restaurant,” Kakish said. “If they’re at Queen’s Park, it doesn’t affect anybody, because there are no restaurants there. Now, they’re getting more mobile, so that’s where it affects us.”

Around the corner on Church St., Spirits Bar and Grill general manager Edi Chungandro said food trucks haven’t detracted from his business yet — but like Rahnama, he’s anticipating more will hit the streets soon.

“Our restaurant can’t move somewhere else, or go and block someone else’s restaurant. They can move anywhere they like,” Chungandro said. “I think I appreciate what Toronto’s trying to do with all these different things. I just wish it didn’t have to affect other businesses.”

Variety in lunch options was on the mind of bystanders outside Me.n.u. After ordering rice balls and a taco, Colette Snyder said cutting the mandated distance from 50 metres to 30 will bolster competition.

“I think a good restaurant shouldn’t be worried about losing business to a food truck,” she said. “If they’re a good restaurant, people are still going to go there. It’s giving people more choice.”

The closest restaurant to the Bloor St. parking spot is the Irish pub Fionn MacCool’s, where the front patio sits in direct eyesight of whichever truck is operating. But general manager Andrew Groves said they haven’t caused him problems.

“I think food trucks have a tough go as it is, especially considering that there are so many restaurants,” Groves said. “I don’t think you’re going to get that many closer to us or the other restaurants in the area. Had they dropped (the mandated distance) by more, I think it’d be a little more of a concern.”

Tan, meanwhile, would like to see even further change. In brainstorming sessions with City Council before the new rules were put forth, he said, he proposed something else: letting trucks park wherever they’d like in the city for a month or two, and assessing matters from there.

“That would be really cool,” he said. “Realistically, the restaurant industry has so much money and so much weight to pull that they probably wouldn’t allow something like that.”

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/05/toronto-can-on-day-1-of-torontos-new-relaxed-food-truck-rules-20-metre-gap-presents-an-opportunity-and-a-threat/feed/0Toronto, CAN: Toronto city council eases restrictions on food truckshttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/05/toronto-can-toronto-city-council-eases-restrictions-on-food-trucks/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/05/toronto-can-toronto-city-council-eases-restrictions-on-food-trucks/#commentsWed, 06 May 2015 12:10:07 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=70767Toronto city council voted 43-1 on Tuesday to ease the rules around food truck permits, allowing them to operate 30 metres from an open and operating restaurant.

]]>By | CBC NewsToronto city council voted on Tuesday to ease restrictions on food truck operators, allowing trucks to park within 30 metres of a brick-and-mortar restaurant instead of the previous 50 metres. (CBC)

The red tape that has stifled Toronto food truck operators has been loosened — slightly.

It turns out very few truck operators were willing to pay hefty fees only to be told that they had to stay at least 50 metres from any so-called brick and mortar restaurants.

Toronto city council voted 43-1 on Tuesday to ease the rules around food truck permits, allowing them to operate 30 metres from an open and operating restaurant.

The trucks will be able to stay in place for five hours every 24 hours, instead of the current three. Trucks will also be allowed to use five square metres of sidewalk, up from 3.48 square metres.

This comes a year after the city allowed food trucks to operate in downtown parking spots.

Ward 15 Coun. Josh Colle said people realized “the world’s not going to fall apart by having a few more fish tacos.”

“We’re often so timid in this city. I don’t understand it, but I think food trucks, for a lot of residents, are emblematic of what they want to see out of city hall,” Colle said to reporters.

“Just let entrepreneurs do their business and give residents their choices. They don’t care about spats between certain segments of an industry.”

Changing the rules from 50 to 30 metres means about 1,200 new parking spots will open up throughout the city, according to the chef of one food truck, Blazin Cajun.

“It’s going to give us a much bigger audience,” said Chef Ramon.

Tuesday’s move was seen as a compromise.

Good for business

“I would have it at three metres but I guess that there’s a recognition that there’s some kind of balancing act that has to be done in council chamber. So it’s, I think, excellent progress,” said Colle.

Mayor John Tory has been a proponent of relaxing the rules and doing away with regulatory red tape in the city.

“We simply have to to find more ways, as I believe we have done in this instance, to say yes as a council,” he said on council.

On Monday, Tory said in a speech to the Toronto Region Board of Trade that businesses ­­— both established and fledgling — are being “stifled by endless bylaws and a Byzantine regulatory environment.”

Part of the resistance to food truck operations in the city has also been from restaurant owners who feel threatened by increased competition.

However, the head of the Toronto Food Truck Alliance, Zane Caplansky, believes Tuesday’s council decision will actually be good for established restaurants.

Caplansky himself owns both a food truck and a traditional restaurant.

“I would rather have deli trucks in front of Capansky’s because food people would get a sandwich from them, a sandwich from me. They’d be tweeting and Instagramming those things and it becomes a bit of a scene,” he said.

“The same reason that Home Depot, and Canadian Tire, and Rona all locate in the same area,” he added. “Competition is good for business.”

Toronto is among the most multi-cultural cities in the world, one where foodies can sample flavours from around the world at restaurants cooking up cuisines from Asia to Africa to South America.

But up until now our ability to savour street eats from these regions from food trucks has been strangled in red tape from city hall. That’s why a recommendation from the city’s licensing committee to relax the rules is so welcome.

The committee voted 5 to 1 this past week to approve a motion to reduce the distance requirement that has restricted food trucks to within 50 metres of a restaurant. That regulation closed off too many avenues of opportunity for the vendors. It effectively banned them from crowded downtown streets, where restaurants are ubiquitous.

The motion would instead allow food trucks to operate within 30 metres of a restaurant. That would potentially open up between 650 and 1,200 new spots for food truck entrepreneurs.

The recommendation must still be passed by city council in May, where it may face further objections from restaurant owners who argue that food trucks are unfair competition.

And even this loosening of the rules might not be enough to overcome other restrictive regulations. For example, truck operators must still pay more than $5,000 for an annual permit and are restricted to parking for only three hours at one spot. (That could be increased to five hours under the motion.)

In fact, the regulations are so restrictive that since the city enacted new rules for food trucks a year ago, only 39 vendors have signed up for 125 available licences.

Still, there’s a whiff of hope — and maybe tacos and rotis — in the air with this new direction.

City council should approve these changes, and consider loosening other restrictions in the future. It’s the tasteful thing to do.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-cut-red-tape-to-encourage-food-trucks/feed/0Toronto, CAN: Toronto Council to make decision on allowing food trucks to set up closer to restaurantshttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-toronto-council-to-make-decision-on-allowing-food-trucks-to-set-up-closer-to-restaurants/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-toronto-council-to-make-decision-on-allowing-food-trucks-to-set-up-closer-to-restaurants/#commentsWed, 22 Apr 2015 17:26:10 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=70447At the meeting, food truck operator Zane Caplansky told the committee that the restrictions were a big reason that the city only saw 17 operators take up on the new licenses. They were simply too restrictive, he said.

Food trucks could move closer to the front stoops of restaurants in the downtown – 20 metres closer – if Toronto Council goes along with recommendations from the city’s Legislation and Licensing Committee.

The committee moved that and other changes to the year-old bylaw permitting food trucks on downtown streets after hearing from restaurateurs and food truck operators alike. The bylaw was put in place as a compromise with a one-year review.

Initially, rules were fairly restrictive: food trucks could operate on streets with Green P parking, so long as they were no nearer than 50 metres to the front of a restaurant. And permits were sold on an annual basis for $5,000 — despite the seasonal nature of outdoor food trucks.

At the meeting, food truck operator Zane Caplansky told the committee that the restrictions were a big reason that the city only saw 17 operators take up on the new licenses. They were simply too restrictive, he said.

“Unless we see the 50 metre rule reduced, you won’t see food trucks in the city,” he said. “Your voters are disappointed they can’t find the food trucks we can offer under the current regulations.”

Kaplansky said that the city really needed to establish the distance at 15 metres, although he said restaurants fearful of the competition from the mobile kitchens wouldn’t be affected even if they were parked right outside their doors.

Ward 7 York West Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti warned that moving the trucks any closer would result “in chaos.”

“It’s not going to work for these restaurants with these cars parked in front of them — they’ll lay people off,” he said.

Mammoliti was alone on the matter, however. Most members of the committee got behind a motion by St. Paul’s Councillor Josh Matlow to reduce the distance to 30 metres.

“I have never seen any evidence of a bricks and mortar restaurant failing as a result of a food truck in the area,” he said. “There’s no evidence there’s direct competition.”

The committee also supported staff recommendations to allow for the sale of seasonal permits at a reduced rate.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-toronto-council-to-make-decision-on-allowing-food-trucks-to-set-up-closer-to-restaurants/feed/0Toronto, CAN: Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads Launches Nationwide Food Truck Tourhttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-stonefire-authentic-flatbreads-launches-nationwide-food-truck-tour/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-stonefire-authentic-flatbreads-launches-nationwide-food-truck-tour/#commentsTue, 07 Apr 2015 14:35:14 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=69907The Stonefire Food Truck will be touring the country from April-August, 2015 stopping in major cities along the way including San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Boston and New York among others. All are invited to stop by the food truck for free samples, giveaways and recipe tips.

TORONTO, ON–(Marketwired – April 07, 2015) – On Wednesday, April 1, 2015, Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads launched its cross-country food truck tour in partnership with Celebrity Chef Marcel Vigneron, acclaimed global chef and star of hit reality series, Top Chef. Chef Marcel has appeared on the popular reality series Top Chef All-Stars, Marcel’s Quantum Kitchen on the SyFy Network and numerous programs on The Food Network.

Chef Marcel has designed original, delicious, plant-based recipes featuring Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads and Stonefire® Naan Crisps to serve from the truck for the duration of the Stonefire Food Truck Tour. Perfect for spring meals and summer entertaining, they are easy for even the most novice chef to re-create at home.

The Stonefire Food Truck will be touring the country from April-August, 2015 stopping in major cities along the way including San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Boston and New York among others. All are invited to stop by the food truck for free samples, giveaways and recipe tips.

As part of the launch, Chef Marcel hosted a fun, free food event with the Stonefire Food Truck on April 1 at The Americana at Brand. Attendees had an opportunity to relax and unwind with family and friends while enjoying complimentary samples of Chef Marcel’s Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads recipes. Chef Marcel will host a similar event in New York City towards the end of the tour in August. Follow the tour and stay up to date on Stonefire news on Facebook www.facebook.com/Stonefireflatbreads and Twitterwww.twitter.com/Stonefirenaan.

About Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads

Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads is a family-owned bakery steeped in experience with a simple mission: To make one of a kind, authentic flatbreads. Founded by the Ajmera family, Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads bake authentic naan, pita, pizza crust and Naan Crisps snacks using traditional baking methods and the finest ingredients without artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Based in Ontario, Canada, Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads is a division of fgf Brands. Visit Stonefire® Authentic Flatbreads on Facebook.

]]>http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-stonefire-authentic-flatbreads-launches-nationwide-food-truck-tour/feed/0Toronto, CAN: Top Food Trucks inTorontohttp://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-top-food-trucks-intoronto/
http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/2015/04/toronto-can-top-food-trucks-intoronto/#commentsSat, 04 Apr 2015 15:29:34 +0000http://www.mobilefoodnews.com/?p=69807Food trucks are trying to get around these rules and many cater, as a result. In the summer of 2014, food truck business owners came together to test launch a Food Truck Alley at Queen and Jarvis to bypass these fees, as per a report in the Toronto Star.

There is such a demand for food trucks in Toronto but unfortunately, you don’t see many of them around due to the city of Toronto’s strict laws. In April, 2014 city council launched the sale of 125 street permits for $5,000 apiece. Yet the allowance came with more rules: trucks can be parked for only three hours, they cannot be within 50 metres of a restaurant and only two are allowed per block.

Food trucks are trying to get around these rules and many cater, as a result. In the summer of 2014, food truck business owners came together to test launch a Food Truck Alley at Queen and Jarvis to bypass these fees, as per a report in the Toronto Star. But regular pitstops or a section of the city for food trucks in Toronto are still an uphill battle. Our favourite top food trucks in Toronto are listed here and many of them have been pioneers in the industry.

Most of these businesses have a truck as a compliment to their catering companies or restaurants. Many of our picks have also stood the test of time. Let’s hope we’ll see them back on our streets more

regularly. All trucks are active on social media and it’s best to check updates there, as noted. That said, other cities like Hamilton and Niagara don’t have these restrictions and have thriving food truck businesses. Check out the Ontario Street Food website for more information.

1. The Food Dudes. You’re likely to hear the blaring hits you’d hear at a wedding, thanks to this successful catering company that is now also an empire complete with a truck and other restaurants (Formerly Bloke & Forth, Rasa, and the soon-to-open, Junk). The menu is a cornucopia of favourites including Mac N Cheese, Captain Crunch Fish Tacos, and those delectable and gooey nutella bombs. Worth the wait.

2. Stoke Stack Barbeque. One of Toronto’s top food truck newcomers in 2014, the truck serves up Texas BBQ beside Zero Gravity Circus on Gerrard Street East and Greenwood Ave. in between its catering gigs. Aside from the BBQ, look out for the loaded poutine, veggie tacos, and Schwartz’s-inspired deli sandwiches. Up-to-date listings can be found on their twitter page. They are also available for weddings and events.3. Caplansky’s. Thunderin Thelma, Caplansky’s Deli Food Truck, serves up on wheels what Caplansky is known for: deli classics. Based on itstwitter feed, the truck roams all over the GTA to dish up its famous smoked meat sandwich, BBQ brisket sandwich, and pulled pork tacos. If you’re hungry at lunch, this one is a must.4. Buster’s Sea Cove. If you can’t make it down to one of Buster Sea Cove’s three locations (in the St. Lawrence Market, across the street from the market at Market Street Catch, and its newest shop on Bremner Ave), its food truck is on the road at various events. Though its a pared down menu of Ensenada-style fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and lobster rolls, the offerings are some of the best on the market. Check up-to-date listings on their twitter handle and for information to book the truck for your next event.

5. El Gastrónomo Vagabundo. El Gastro, as it is affectionately called, is one of the most popular food trucks in Ontario. Though it’s not based in Toronto but in Niagara-on-the-Lake a(one of our favourite weekend escapes), the truck makes visits in the city for major food events and festivals. In Niagara, they are set up in the beer shed at the popular Niagara Oast House Brewers for the cooler months. The truck is known for its gourmet offerings including gourmet tacos, tapas, southeast Asian dishes, and garden fresh salads. El Gastro is very active on social media and will keep you updated on new events and dishes on their twitter and facebook pages.

The food truck industry in Toronto is in constant evolution. Though these are our top picks right now, we cannot guarantee that they will be around forever. In most cases, food trucks also operate seasonally. So get to your favourite craving, whether it’s on the streets of TO or at a summer event, as soon as you can! We suggest keeping up to date on which food trucks are on the streets on the official foodtrucks website.